The eighthman, Jasper Wiese, has been suspended for four matches following a disciplinary hearing, and the flanker, Chris Massyn, picked up a concussion.

Wiese was cited for infringement of Law 9.18 – a player must not lift an opponent off the ground and drop or drive that player so that their head and/or upper body make contact with the ground.

The incident took place in the 15th minute of the 20-10 defeat to Ulster in Belfast when he illegally cleanout out the flanker, Jordi Murphy, at a ruck.

It’s the second similar incident by Wiese this season, after previously being pinned for a dangerous cleanout against the Cardiff Blues. The incident on the Cardiff flyhalf, Jason Tovey, also occurred in the 15th minute of that game played in Cardiff Arms Park.

Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that is it unfortunate for Wiese, who was doing his job on the field.

“It was a bit unfortunate for Japer as he is a very good and aggressive player, so he did his job. Murphy unfortunately landed on his head, so he has been suspended and he will be back against the Glasgow Warriors.

“Jasper's suspension is not ideal for us because we would have liked to keep the same team that played against Ulster last week.

Fourie further confirmed that Wiese’s suspension is not their only worry as the flanker, Massyn, also boarded the flight back home.

“Chris Massyn is also on his way back home after suffering from concussion against Ulster. So, Sias Koen, is on his way to Wales.

“As mentioned we would have liked to keep the team the same, especially among the loose-forwards. They operated really well as a unit. We will have to make two changes there with Gerhard Olivier and Aidon Davis starting, with Sias coming onto the bench.

The Dragons and Cheetahs go head-to-head on Saturday, with kick-off at Rodney Parade at 19:15.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport